Plasticity-induced self organizing nanotechnology for the extraction of independent components from a data stream

ABSTRACT

A system for independent component analysis includes a feedback mechanism based on a plasticity rule, and an electro-kinetic induced particle chain, wherein the feedback mechanism and the electro-kinetic induced particle chain is utilized to extract independent components from a data set or data stream. The electro-kinetic induced particle chain is generally composed of a plurality of interconnected nanoconnections (e.g., nanoparticles) disposed between at least two electrodes in a solution, including for example one or more pre-synaptic electrodes and one or more post-synaptic electrodes. The feedback mechanism generally provides feedback to one or more particles within the electro-kinetic induced particle chain, while the plasticity rule can be non-linear in nature. The feedback mechanism also provides for one or more evaluate phases and one or more feedback phases.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO PROVISIONAL PATENT APPLICATION

This patent application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/684,101, entitled “Plasticity-induced Self Organizing Nanotechnology for the Extraction of Independent Components form a Data Stream,” which was filed with the U.S. Patent & trademark Office on May 23, 2005, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Embodiments generally relate to the field of Independent Component Analysis (ICA). Embodiments also relate to nanotechnology-based devices and systems. Embodiments additionally relate to artificial neural networks, including physical neural networks constructed based on nanotechnology-based components.

BACKGROUND

Independent component analysis (ICA) generally refers to a statistical and/or neural computation technique for separating hidden sources from mixed signals. ICA involves statistical and computational techniques for revealing hidden factors that underlie, for example, groups or sets of signals, measurements, random variables, and other data.

The field of ICA generally involves a generative model for observed multi-variate data, which is typically provided in the context of a large database of samples. In such a model, the data variables are assumed to be linear mixtures of some unknown latent variables, and the mixing system is also unknown. The latent variables are assumed non-gaussian and mutually independent and they are called the independent components of the observed data. These independent components, also called sources or factors, can be found by ICA.

ICA is superficially related to principal component analysis and factor analysis. ICA is a much more powerful technique, however, capable of finding the underlying factors or sources when these classic methods fail completely. The data analyzed by ICA could originate from many different kinds of application fields, including digital images, document databases, economic indicators and psychometric measurements. In many cases, the measurements are given as a set of parallel signals or time series; the term blind source separation is used to characterize this problem. Typical examples of ICA applications are mixtures of simultaneous speech signals that have been picked up by several microphones, brain waves recorded by multiple sensors, interfering radio signals arriving at a mobile phone, or parallel time series obtained from some industrial process.

One area that seems to hold promise for ICA implantations is in the area of nanotechnology. One example of a nanotechnology-based device is the Knowm™ network or system, which is described in a U.S. patent and a number of U.S. patent publications. U.S. Pat. No. 6,889,216, entitled “Physical Neural Network Design Incorporating Nanotechnology,” which issued to Alex Nugent on May 3, 2005 generally describes a physical neural network based on nanotechnology, including methods thereof. Such a physical neural network, which can be referred to as a Knowm™ network generally includes one or more neuron-like nodes, which are formed from a plurality of interconnected nanoconnections formed from nanoconductors. Such connections constitute Knowm™ connections. Each neuron-like node sums one or more input signals and generates one or more output signals based on a threshold associated with the input signal. The Knowm™ device physical neural network also includes a connection network formed from the interconnected nanoconnections, such that the interconnected nanoconnections used thereof by one or more of the neuron-like nodes are strengthened or weakened according to an application of an electric field, variations in frequency, and so forth. U.S. Pat. No. 6,889,216 is incorporated herein by reference.

Another example of a Knowm™ network or system is described in U.S. Patent Publication No. 20030236760, entitled “Multi-layer Training in a Physical Neural Network Formed Utilizing Nanotechnology,” by inventor Alex Nugent, which was published on Dec. 25, 2003. U.S. Patent Publication No. 20030236760 generally describes methods and systems for training at least one connection network located between neuron layers within a multi-layer physical neural network (e.g., a Knowm™ network or device). The multi-layer physical neural network described in U.S. Patent Publication No. 20030236760 can be formed with a plurality of inputs and a plurality outputs thereof, wherein the multi-layer physical neural network comprises a plurality of layers therein, such that each layer thereof comprises at least one connection network and at least one associated neuron. Thereafter, a training wave, as further described in U.S. Patent Publication No. 20030236760, can be initiated across one or more connection networks associated with an initial layer of the multi-layer physical neural network which propagates thereafter through succeeding connection networks of succeeding layers of the multi-layer physical neural network by successively closing and opening at least one switch associated with each layer of the multi-layer physical neural network. At least one feedback signal thereof can be automatically provided to each preceding connection network associated with each preceding layer thereof to strengthen or weaken nanoconnections associated with each connection network of the multi-layer physical neural network. U.S. Patent Publication No. 20030236760 is incorporated herein by reference.

A further example of a Knowm™ network or system is described in U.S. Patent Publication No. 20040039717, entitled High-density synapse chip using nanoparticles” by inventor Alex Nugent. U.S. Patent Publication No. 20040039717 published on Feb. 26, 2004 and generally describes a physical neural network synapse chip (i.e., a Knowm™ chip) and a method for forming such a synapse chip. The synapse or Knowm™ chip can be configured to include an input layer comprising a plurality of input electrodes and an output layer comprising a plurality of output electrodes, such that the output electrodes are located perpendicular to the input electrodes. A gap is generally formed between the input layer and the output layer. A solution can then be provided which is prepared from a plurality of nanoconductors and a dielectric solvent. The solution is located within the gap, such that an electric field is applied across the gap from the input layer to the output layer to form nanoconnections of a physical neural network implemented by the synapse chip. Such a gap can thus be configured as an electrode gap. The input electrodes can be configured as an array of input electrodes, while the output electrodes can be configured as an array of output electrodes. U.S. Patent Publication No. 20040039717 is also incorporated herein by reference.

A further example of a Knowm™ network or system is disclosed in U.S. Patent Publication No. 20040153426, entitled “Physical Neural Network Liquid State Machine Utilizing Nanotechnology,” by inventor Alex Nugent, which was published on Aug. 5, 2004. U.S. Patent Publication No. 20040153426 generally discloses a physical neural network (i.e., a Knowm™ network), which functions as a liquid state machine. The physical neural network described in U.S. Patent Publication No. 20040153426 can be configured from molecular connections located within a dielectric solvent between pre-synaptic and post-synaptic electrodes thereof, such that the molecular connections are strengthened or weakened according to an application of an electric field or a frequency thereof to provide physical neural network connections thereof. A supervised learning mechanism is associated with the liquid state machine, whereby connections strengths of the molecular connections are determined by pre-synaptic and post-synaptic activity respectively associated with the pre-synaptic and post-synaptic electrodes, wherein the liquid state machine comprises a dynamic fading memory mechanism. U.S. Patent Publication No. 20040153426 is also incorporated herein by reference.

A further example of a Knowm™ network or system is disclosed in U.S. Patent Publication No. 20040162796, entitled “Application of Hebbian and anti-Hebbian Learning to Nanotechnology-based Physical Neural Networks” by inventor Alex Nugent, which published on Aug. 19, 2004. U.S. Patent Publication No. 20040162796 generally discloses a physical neural network (i.e., Knowm™ network) configured utilizing nanotechnology. The Knowm™ network disclosed in U.S. Patent Publication No. 20040162796 includes a plurality of molecular conductors (e.g., nanoconductors) which form neural connections between pre-synaptic and post-synaptic components of the physical neural network. Additionally, a learning mechanism is applied, which implements Hebbian learning via the physical neural network. Such a learning mechanism can utilize a voltage gradient or voltage gradient dependencies to implement Hebbian and/or anti-Hebbian plasticity within the physical neural network. The learning mechanism can also utilize pre-synaptic and post-synaptic frequencies to provide Hebbian and/or anti-Hebbian learning within the physical neural network. U.S. Patent Publication No. 20040162796 is incorporated herein by reference.

An additional example of a Knowm™ network or device is disclosed in U.S. Patent Publication No. 20040193558, entitled “Adaptive Neural Network Utilizing Nanotechnology-based Components” by Alex Nugent, which published on Sep. 30, 2004. U.S. Patent Publication No. 20040193558 generally describes methods and systems for modifying at least one synapse of a physical neural network (i.e., a Knowm™ network). The physical neural or Knowm™ network described in U.S. Patent Publication No. 20040193558 can be implemented as an adaptive neural network, which includes one or more neurons and one or more synapses thereof, wherein the neurons and synapses are formed from a plurality of nanoparticles disposed within a dielectric solution in association with one or more pre-synaptic electrodes and one or more post-synaptic electrodes and an applied electric field. At least one pulse can be generated from one or more of the neurons to one or more of the pre-synaptic electrodes of a succeeding neuron and one or more post-synaptic electrodes of one or more of the neurons of the physical neural network, thereby strengthening at least one nanoparticle of a plurality of nanoparticles disposed within the dielectric solution and at least one synapse thereof. U.S. Patent Publication No. 20040193558 is incorporated herein by reference.

Another example of a Knowm™ network or device is disclosed U.S. Patent Publication No. 20050015351, entitled “Nanotechnology Neural Network Methods and Systems” by inventor Alex Nugent, which published on Jan. 20, 2005. U.S. Patent Publication No. 20050015351 generally discloses a physical neural network (i.e., a Knowm™ network), which constitutes a connection network comprising a plurality of molecular conducting connections suspended within a connection gap formed between one or more input electrodes and one or more output electrodes. One or more molecular connections of the molecular conducting connections can be strengthened or weakened according to an application of an electric field, frequency, and the like across the connection gap. Thus, a plurality of physical neurons can be formed from the molecular conducting connections of the connection network. Additionally, a gate can be located adjacent the connection gap and which comes into contact with the connection network. The gate can be connected to logic circuitry which can activate or deactivate individual physical neurons among the plurality of physical neurons. U.S. Patent Publication No. 20050015351 is incorporated herein by reference. Based on the foregoing it can be appreciated that a Knowm™ connection(s), which forms the heart of a Knowm™ network can be thought of as constituting an electro-kinetic induced particle chain.

To date an efficient device for implementing ICA has not been successfully designed and constructed. It is believed that Knowm™ network or device, including associated Knowm™ components and elements are ideal candidates for achieving ICA, particularly in the context of a full integrated circuit chip thereof.

BRIEF SUMMARY

The following summary is provided to facilitate an understanding of some of the innovative features unique to the embodiments, and is not intended to be a full description. A full appreciation of the various aspects of the embodiments can be gained by taking the entire specification, claims, drawings, and abstract as a whole.

It is, therefore, one aspect of the present invention to provide for a device for achieving Independent Component Analysis (ICA).

It is another aspect of the present invention to provide for a physical neural network, which can be formed from nanotechnology-based components and which achieves ICA.

The above and other aspects can be achieved as is now described. A system for independent component analysis is disclosed, which includes a feedback mechanism based on a plasticity rule, and an electro-kinetic induced particle chain, wherein the feedback mechanism and the electro-kinetic induced particle chain is utilized to extract independent components from a data set, which can be provided, for example, in the form of a data stream. The electro-kinetic induced particle chain is composed of a plurality of interconnected nanoconnections (e.g., nanoparticles) disposed between at least two electrodes, including for example one or more pre-synaptic electrodes and one or more post-synaptic electrodes. The feedback mechanism generally provides feedback to one or more particles within the electro-kinetic induced particle chain, while the plasticity rule can be non-linear in nature. The feedback mechanism also provides for one or more evaluate phases and one or more feedback phases.

Independent components are a very useful method for analyzing the statistical independence among features in a dataset. By finding the independent components of a dataset, or a data stream, one can then construct powerful classification algorithms. Independent Component Analysis (ICA) aims to find the statistically independent features of the data set or data stream. It has been discovered that non-linear plasticity rules operating on the weights of a neuron, while a data stream is presented to weight inputs, can converge to the independent components of the data stream. By utilizing a plasticity rule to provide feedback to particles in a Knowm connection network, an integrated device can be built that extracts the independent components of a data-stream or data set.

By extracting information at a characteristic dimension, the stable regularities can act as a basis set for the representation of all higher-dimensional patterns within the data. The statistical regularities within a data stream can be used as a mechanism to construct, maintain, and repair the nanoconnections in a Knowm™ network. The chip can be used in many of today's advanced object recognition algorithms and incorporated into portable consumer electronic devices. The field of Independent Components is relatively well understood and widely used. The application of neural plasticity mechanisms to extract the Independent Components, although not as well known, is also well understood. This embodiments herein generally involve the synthesis of plasticity-induced extraction of Independent Components and Knowm™ connection networks. The result is a new nano-electronic structure capable of efficient statistical analysis of data streams.

The process of extracting independent components via a plasticity rule is computationally expensive, as each connection weight must be updated individually via the plasticity rule, which in itself is often a fairly complicated mathematical function. The benefits of independent component extraction via a plasticity rule include the ability to adapt to constantly changing conditions, synthesizing the “learning” and “performance” stages of traditional neural networks, providing a highly effect active repair and reconfiguration mechanism, as well as simply the ability to provide powerful statistical analysis capabilities to small portable electronics. The present invention utilizes a relatively simple non-linear plasticity rule to extract independent components by providing a novel feedback mechanism to a Knowm™ connection network. The implementation of a plasticity rule known to converge to independent components is demonstrated herein along with an explanation of how functional parameters of the rule may be controlled electronically.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a graphical representation of a plasticity rule, which can be implemented in accordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 2 illustrates a Knowm-Capacitor circuit, which can be implemented in accordance with one embodiment;

FIGS. 3( a)-3(d) illustrate circuit layout configurations, which can be implemented in accordance with one or more embodiments;

FIG. 4 illustrates evaluate and feedback phase frames, which may be generated in accordance with one or more embodiments;

FIG. 5 illustrates output/evaluate and flip/lock phase representations, which can be implemented in accordance with a first circuit layout configuration;

FIG. 6 illustrates output/evaluate and flip/lock phase representations, which can be implemented in accordance with a second circuit layout configuration;

FIG. 7 illustrates output/evaluate and flip/lock phase representations, which can be implemented in accordance with a third circuit layout configuration;

FIG. 8 illustrates a schematic diagram of a circuit, which can be implemented in accordance with one embodiment;

FIG. 9 illustrates a schematic diagram of a circuit, which can be implemented in accordance with another embodiment;

FIG. 10 illustrates a schematic diagram of a circuit, which can be implemented in accordance with an alternative embodiment;

FIG. 11 illustrates a schematic diagram of a circuit, which can be implemented in accordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 12 illustrates a schematic diagram of a circuit, which can be implemented in accordance with an alternative embodiment;

FIG. 13 illustrates a block-level circuit diagram, which can be implemented in accordance with an embodiment; and

FIGS. 14 and 15 illustrate a high-level block diagram of a system for independent component analysis, which can be implemented in accordance with a preferred embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The particular values and configurations discussed in these non-limiting examples can be varied and are cited merely to illustrate one or more embodiments.

Dielectrophoresis (DEP)

When a particle is suspended in a solution and subjected to an electric field, the electric field induces a polarization in the particle. If the field is homogeneous, the induced dipole aligns in the direction of the field. If the field is inhomogeneous, the particle will experience a force. The direction of the force is determined by the dielectric properties of the particle and suspension. If the particle is more polarizable than the surrounding medium, the particle will feel a force in the direction of increasing field gradient, which is termed Positive DEP. On the other hand, negative DEP results when the medium is more polarizable than the particle.

At low frequencies, charge accumulation at the particle/medium boundary contributes to the induced dipole, which is referred to as the Maxwell-Wagner interfacial polarization and is a function of the particle and medium conductivity. As the frequency is increased, this term of the polarization has increasingly less of an effect, as the mobile charges do not have time to move an appreciable distance. For the case of a spherical particle, the time-averaged DEP force can be provided by equation (1) as indicated below:

$\begin{matrix} {{\overset{\rho}{F}}_{dep} = {2\pi\; r^{3}ɛ_{0}ɛ_{m}{{Re}\left\lbrack \frac{ɛ_{p}^{*} - ɛ_{m}^{*}}{ɛ_{p}^{*} + {2ɛ_{m}^{*}}} \right\rbrack}{\nabla E^{2}}}} & (1) \end{matrix}$

For any geometry other than a sphere or ellipsoid, calculating the DEP force is not trivial, and the applicability of equation 1 requires the particle radius to be small compared to the changes in the gradient of the energy density (∇E²).

A conducting particle in a non-conducting liquid or gel will generally feel an attractive force toward the direction of increasing electric field gradient. As the frequency of the applied electric field is increased, the force transitions from an attractive to a repulsive force. Although it is possible to use lower frequencies to attract a particle and higher frequencies to repel in such a way as to build and break nanoconnections, in the present disclosure we utilize a lower frequency, attractive force, to build connections and increasing entropy to break connections.

Our basic requirement, which is detailed in this disclosure, is simply that an attractive force be applied to the particle, bringing it in contact with electrodes and bridging an electrode gap. As long as the application of the field gradient results in an increased probability of connection formation, our requirements are met. Indeed, this is the case and has been demonstrated experimentally by a number of independent organizations.

The Plasticity Rule

Referring now to FIG. 1, illustrated a graph 100, which demonstrates a plasticity rule, which upon one or more embodiments can be based. Graph 100 generally depicts a curve 103 plotted with respect to an axis 101 and an axis 102. Axis 101 generally represents f(y) while axis 102 represents the variable “y” (i.e., y-data). Thus, graph 100 illustrates a plot of y data versus f(y). Two different states 105 and 104 are also indicated in graph 100, where state 105 is a “negative” state or condition and state 104 is a “positive” state or condition. Thus, a portion 109 of curve 103 is associated with state 105, while a portion 111 of curve 103 is associated with state 104. Curve 103 can be generated based on a plasticity rule. The following plasticity rule as indicated by equation (2) below, when applied to the weights of a neuron under the influence of a data stream, has been shown to extract the independent components of the data stream: w _(t+1) =w _(t) +λxf(y)  (2)

In equation (2) above, the variable λ represents a small positive constant (learning rate), while f(y) represents a non-linear function of the total activation of the neuron, y=Wx^(μρ), where W^(ω) is a weight vector and x^(μ) an input vector. In the implementation of this rule in a physical neural network, W^(ω) represents a matrix of Knowm™ synapses, x^(μ) is applied via voltage pulses, and y is the total activation from the synapses. The variable λ, the learning rate, is controlled by a combination of solution viscosity, temperature and operating voltage, and possibly other factors effecting the physical movement of nanoparticles in a liquid or gel solution.

There are many mathematical rules that have been found to extract independent components. For a physical embodiment, it is necessary to find a rule that can be emulated through device physics and particle interactions. Equation (2) satisfies such criteria. The embodiments disclosed herein generally discuss how such a rule can be mapped to a physical process and controlled electronically. To understand this mapping, it is necessary to discuss a theory used to describe a Knowm™ Connection, which can be termed Plastic Probability Theory (PPT). PPT is a way of describing the evolution of a discrete-state synapse via applied plasticity rules.

Discrete-State Synapses

Consider a synapse composed of a discrete number of conducting channels, where each channel can be in an “on” or an “off” state. Further consider a plasticity rule capable of modification to the number of conducting channels. We will refer to a conducting channel as open and a non-conducting channel as closed.

The probability at any given time increment that a channel will go from closed to open is considered negligible outside the influence of plasticity. In other words, the only way a channel will ever go from closed to open is by the influence of plasticity. The probability that a channel will go from open to closed at any given time increment is given by a function, E(T), which can be attributed to random thermal motion and is a function of temperature.

Given a total of No open channels, out of N total channels, the update to the connection can be given as the difference between the plastic update, P, and the thermal breakdown, B. The plastic update and the thermal breakdown are dependent on the number of open channels. However, the plastic update can only act on closed channels. In other words, a channel, once opened, can only be closed. If it is open, the probability of closing is given by E(T) as indicated in equations (3) below: B=NoE(T) P=(N−No)·H(No)  (3) ΔNo=P−B=(N−No)·H(No)−NoE(T)

In equations (3) indicated above, H(No) represents a Plasticity Probability Field (PPF), which will be discussed shortly. The stable points of equations (3) occur when the plastic update equals the thermal breakdown. Solving for the PPF we have:

$\begin{matrix} {{H({No})} = \frac{{NoE}(T)}{N - {No}}} & (4) \end{matrix}$

For a given thermal breakdown probability, E(T), equation (4) provides the minimum Instantaneous Probability (IP) necessary to oppose the thermal breakdown. An IP less than that given by equation (4) can result in the loss of open channels. An IP greater than equation (4) will result in a gain of open channels. To find the stable points a specific PPF should be selected. Consider the following PPF provided by equation (5):

$\begin{matrix} {{H({No})} = {\alpha\;{No}\;{\mathbb{e}}^{- \frac{{No}^{2}}{2\;\sigma^{2}}}}} & (5) \end{matrix}$

For a given No, equation (5) provides the IP that a closed channel will open. If equations (4) and (5) are graphed, their intersection represents the equilibrium number of open channels, No.

In a Knowm™ connection, a closed channel can be seen as the absence of a nano-connection or particle bridge. An open channel is a particle, or chain of particles, providing one conducting path between pre- and post-synaptic electrodes. The force felt by a particle in a liquid suspension is a combination of many forces. In many circumstances we may neglect all but two, which we will utilize to both weaken and strengthen Knowm™ connections. First, we have random thermal motion, which acts to increase the entropy of particles, spreading them out, and in the process breaking any Knowm™ connections formed. Second, we have an electro-kinetic force, which attracts the particles to the electrode gap via dipole-induced electrostatic forces.

Plastic Probability Fields

Consider a Knowm™ synapse. The dielectrophoretic force causes the aggregation of nanoparticles to areas of high field gradient. This leads to nanowires bridging the electrode gap formed from pre- and post-synaptic electrodes. If the particles are conducting, the local electric field breaks down, which inhibits the growth of neighboring wires. This results in a set number of possible connections. Without thermal breakdown, i.e. the force of random thermal collisions, the wires would remain indefinitely and eventually reach the maximum possible, N. Under the influence of thermal breakdown, however, the connection will not reach the maximum number of channels, but instead achieves a balance between thermal degradation and plastic updates.

A Plastic Probability Field (PPF) is a function that gives the probability that a channel will go from closed to open over a particular increment of time. The reason the PPF function is a field instead of just a single value is that this probability can (and should) change as a function of the post-synaptic activation. In addition, a PPF does not obey most of the usual notions of probability functions, like normalization and a continuous derivative. The only functional requirement is that the PPF never attain a value greater than 1 or less than zero.

As an example, suppose a connection is composed of N=10 channels. At time step t, 5 of the channels are open (No=5). If the PPF is given as

${H({No})} = {\frac{1}{10}{No}}$ then there will be a 50% probability that each of the closed channels will open. In the absence of thermal break down, we would therefore expect about 7 or 8 channels to be open at time step 6. If the probability of breakdown was P_(f)=0.5, then on average no new channels would form and the connection will have reached a stable state. Implementation of Equation (2) as a Plastic Probability Field

Equation (1) includes two basic features that should be taken into account in the physical implementation. First, as the magnitude of the activation becomes large, the update to the connection becomes negligible. Second, it is required that the update rule be capable of re-enforcing two separate states, which can be referred to as the (+) state and (−) state, or State 1 and State 2, respectively. Examples of such variations in state are illustrated in FIG. 1, with respect to states 104 and 105. In FIG. 1, each state 104 and 105 represents one side of zero. To aid in understanding of the embodiments disclosed herein, however, it may help to realize that positive and negative are simply two distinct states, such as A and B or “On” and “Off”. In other words a connection can be treated as possessing at least two aspects: a magnitude and a state.

The form of the plasticity rule implemented herein requires a multiplication of the form: Wx^(μρ) and x·f(y). The input, x, can be implemented in the form of binary voltages, on and off or 1 and 0. In general, On can represent an electrode that has been raised to the supply voltage. Off can represent an electrode that has been grounded. Alternately, and perhaps more clearly these states can be referred to as (+) and (−), or, for example, simply State 1 and State 2. Likewise, y is also the result of a series of explicit multiplications as indicated by equation (6) below: y=w ₁ x ₁ +w ₂ x ₂ +w ₃ x ₃ + . . . +w _(n) x _(n) =Wx ^(μρ)  (6)

The rules of multiplication, when dealing with numbers of complimentary states can be represented by the following group of equations (7): A(−B)=(−A)B=−AB AB=BA  (7) (−A)(−B)=AB

For a Knowm™ implementation of equation (2), each Knowm synapse preferably possesses a distinct state, and for that state to effectively multiply itself with the input state. In addition, the update to the neuron should follow the rules of multiplication as well: If the output of the neuron falls in the (+) state, for example, then the connection needs to be modified in such a way to enforce the connections ability to transform the current input state to the current output state. This can only be done by multiplication with the input and must be provided in the form of a feedback mechanism that applies an electro-kinetic force to attract the particles to the electrode gap, or the absence of an electro-kinetic force so increasing entropy may weaken the connection.

If, under the frequency spectrum of the applied electric fields, the particle feels a positive DEP force, then this force is proportional to the square of the energy density, as provided by equation (1). This can alternately be represented by a pre- and post-synaptic voltage, as indicated by equation (8) below: ∇|E| ² =∇|V _(pre) −V _(post)|²  (8)

The exact positions of every particle, as well as all of the forces applied to it, are not known. A computationally tractable model must consider time-averaged approximations. Random thermal motion seeks to disperse the particles through the solution. The application of a voltage difference will increase the probability that a particle will bridge the gap between pre- and post-synaptic electrodes. As a first approximation, we may treat the instantaneous probability that a connection will form, or a conduction channel will open, as proportional to the square of the voltage difference between pre- and post-synaptic electrodes. The accumulation of probability is proportional to the integral of pre- and post-synaptic voltages over one evaluate/feedback cycle, a cycle that will now be discussed.

Evaluate-Feedback Cycle

Consider one Knowm™ Connection, formed between pre-synaptic electrode “A” and post-synaptic electrode “B”. Given the inherently unstable nature of the connection in a liquid, we must provide a mechanism to stabilize the connection at a particular value while simultaneously monitoring the connection strength. Once the connection is at the desired strength, we must either continually provide the feedback mechanism to keep the connection stable, or else freeze the solution so as to prevent thermal breakdown. As previously discussed, the application of an activity-dependant plasticity rule can be utilized as a mechanism for setting or designating connection strengths. Such a plasticity rule, as applied to a Knowm™ connection, preferably operates on pre- and post-synaptic voltages.

To compute a post-synaptic activation, one must “evaluate” the connections. That is, a particular input vector must be applied to pre-synaptic electrodes and the post-synaptic electrode must integrate the individual contribution to form the post-synaptic activation. This activation should produce a post-synaptic voltage. The post-synaptic voltage can then be utilized to apply the desired plasticity rule. To accomplish this, the evaluate phase can be separated from the feedback phase. The evaluate and feedback phases may further be divided, so as to provide for correct initial conditions.

For the moment, we will assume initial conditions are correctly set. The accumulated probability over both the evaluate and feedback phase is generally responsible for the connection update. By separating the process into two phases, we acquire the two behaviors necessary for a successful integration of equation (2). The decreasing update as a function of activity is provided through the “evaluate” phase while the correct update sign is accomplished with the feedback phase. To demonstrate such a functionality, consider a simple Knowm-Capacitor circuit 200, as illustrated by FIG. 2.

In general, the Knowm-Capacitor circuit 200 depicted in FIG. 2 includes a Knowm™ connection 202 disposed between a pre-synaptic input 209 and post-synaptic output 202 thereof. Note that the Knowm-Capacitor circuit 200 is connected to a capacitor 204 at the post-synaptic output 202. Capacitor 204 is in turn connected to a ground 208. The Knowm™ connection 202 can be thought of as constituting an electro-kinetic induced particle chain. The configuration of circuit 200 is presented herein for illustrative and exemplary purposes only. It can be appreciated that variations to circuit 200 can be implemented, while still maintaining the spirit and scope of the embodiments disclosed herein.

At a time t=0, both pre- and post-synaptic voltages are set to zero. If the pre-synaptic input 209 is raised to a positive value, then the post-synaptic voltage at the post-synaptic output 211 will begin to rise at a rate determined by the strength of the Knowm™ connection 202. The stronger the connection(s) thereof, the faster the post-synaptic voltage at the post-synaptic output 211 will equilibrate with the pre-synaptic voltage. Recall that the update to the Knowm™ connection 202, as given by a probability that a conducting channel will open, is given by the square of the difference between the pre- and post-synaptic voltage, integrated over the time period of interest. If we only consider the evaluate phase, then it is apparent that as the Knowm™ connection 202 grows stronger, and the activity increases, the accumulated probability becomes smaller and approaches zero.

If, for instance, a series of input voltage pulses is applied at the pre-synaptic input 209, then the Knowm™ connection 202 would equilibrate to a value proportional to total pre-synaptic activation. This could prove a valuable electronic filter. As it stands, the feedback mechanism would not mirror the desired plasticity rule. To understand this, consider that a connection formed from the dielectrophoretic assembly of particles in a suspension does not inherently possess two states. The connection possesses a resistance somewhere between a minimum intrinsic resistance (maximum particles bridging gap) and a maximum intrinsic resistance (no particles bridging gap). To build a system capable of 4-quadrant synaptic multiplication, there are 3 basic electrode arrangements. In each arrangement, there also exists more than one feedback mechanism capable of emulating the plasticity rule. We will discuss these three electrode arrangements, as well as the various feedback circuitry necessary to provide the required feedback. In all cases, a feedback phase is required, in addition to the evaluate phase, to insure proper connection modification. However, to understand the feedback stage, it is necessary to discuss a two-state Knowm™ connection.

Because a Knowm™ connection does not inherently posses two states, it is necessary to build the two states into the circuitry. We can create a Knowm™ synapse by combining two or more Knowm™ connections. Take for instance the case of one pre-synaptic electrode and two post-synaptic electrodes, an arrangement that can be referred to as configuration 1, which is depicted in FIG. 3( a), for example, as circuit layout 302.

FIGS. 3( a)-3(d) illustrate circuit layout configurations 302, 301, and 303, which can be implemented in accordance with one or more embodiments. Layout 302 of configuration 1 depicted in FIG. 3( a), for example, generally includes an A circuit 325 and a B circuit 324. An electrode 321 is connected to B circuit 324, while electrodes 322 and 323 are connected to A circuit 325. Electrode 322 can constitute a post-synaptic electrode 1 (PSE1), while electrode 323 can constitute a post-synaptic electrode 2 (PSE2).

The PSE1 322 can be arbitrarily assigned to State 1, while PSE2 323 is arbitrarily assigned to State 2. During the evaluate phase, the post-Synaptic electrode with the higher voltage is considered the “winner” and feedback circuitry (i.e., to be discussed herein) saturates the voltages. We may view the Knowm™ connection connecting the input to the PSE1 322 as C11 and the connection between the input and PSE 2 323 as C12.

The pre-synaptic voltage may be used to encode the state of the input. A positive voltage may arbitrarily be assigned to state 1 and a zero voltage to state 2. If, during the evaluate phase, the pre-synaptic input is positive, then the synapse connecting the input to PSE1 and PSE2 (remember that each synapse is now represented by two Knowm™ connections) is considered to be positive if the connection facilitates the transfer of an input in state 1 to a post-synaptic output in state 1. Likewise, if the input is in state 2, then the connection is considered positive if the connection facilitates the transfer of the post-synaptic output to state 2. This is simply a restatement of the rules of multiplication, as outlined in equation 6. The following Table 1 illustrates these features:

TABLE 1 Pre-Synaptic State Post-Synaptic State Connection state 1 1 1 1 2 2 2 2 1 2 1 2

A synapse may not necessarily facilitate the transfer of the pre-synaptic state to the post-synaptic state. In this case, the post-synaptic state was determined by the summation of individual activations from all other synapses. If a synapse state is in conflict with the transfer of the pre-synaptic state to the post-synaptic state, then according to the above mentioned plasticity rule, the connection should be modified in a direction opposite its current state.

For electrode configuration 1 of circuit layout 302, if C12 was a strong connection (i.e., one with many conducting channels) and C11 was weak, then the connection could be considered to be in State 2. This is because an input in state 1 (i.e., a positive input voltage) would maximally affect PSE2, raising its voltage at a larger rate than C11 could raise PSE1. Correspondingly, an input in state 2 (zero input voltage) would maximally affect PSE1 because PSE2 would receive a stronger pull to ground. The PSE1 voltage would consequently be higher, forcing the neuron into state 1. Thus we have the case that a connection with C12>C11 facilitates the state transfers: 1→2 and 2→1. This is consistence with a connection in state 2. One can demonstrate with the same arguments that a synapse with C11>C12 is consistent with a connection in state 1.

We may now consider the overall synaptic update as a function of post-synaptic activation on PSE1 and PSE2, and show that the functional form matches that required by the above mentioned plasticity rule. For illustrative purposes, consider the case of a synapse in state 1 under inputs from both state 1 and state 2. Note that we must consider the updates to both C11 and C12, as it is only their relative strengths that determine the sign of the connection. The update to the synapse can be given as indicated by equation (9) below: ΔW=N _(C)((A _(C11) −A _(E))−(A _(C12) −A _(E)))  (9)

As indicated by equation (9), the variable A_(C11) represents the accumulation of connection formation probability on C11 and A_(E) is the (negative) accumulation due to random thermal motion. Note that because a differential pair represents the connection, the negative accumulation due to random thermal motion cancels out. Also note that when C11 equals C12 (if we consider a neuron with only one input, otherwise the activation is a function of all synapses), the accumulation on C11 cancels the accumulation on C12 and the update is zero. Likewise, if C11>>C12 or C12>>C11, the accumulation for C11 equals the accumulation for C12 and again the accumulation cancels out, resulting in zero overall update. This last statement can only be understood if one considers an entire evaluate/feedback cycle. The specific characteristics of the feedback cycle will be discussed shortly.

One important detail should be mentioned. Although the negative accumulation due to random thermal motion cancels out in equation (9), this does not mean that the individual connection has not received the negative accumulation. The accumulation from plastic updates cancels the accumulation from random thermal motion. Even without an explicit plastic update, a residual force is needed to keep the particles in the vicinity of the electrode gap. Otherwise a connection would have very little chance of forming. We provide this residual force, and control it, by setting the periods of the evaluate and feedback phase. For example, by doubling the period of the evaluate and feedback phase, we double the probability that the particle will bridge the electrode gap.

A similar result can also be achieved by increasing the supply voltage, and thereby increasing the force on the particle while maintaining the same evaluate and feedback periods. This could be advantageous because increasing the period will increase the time of computation. More aspects of the rule may be controlled electronically by varying the ratio of evaluate and feedback periods. For example, by increasing the feedback phase while maintaining the evaluate phase, the effective “width” of the rule can be narrowed. Such an operation in turn allows the rule to better separate closely adjacent features in the input data space.

It can be appreciated that such electronic control over the plasticity rule is extremely beneficial. The control will allow the same chip to process many different types of data sets, and for the feedback dynamics to be modified on-the-fly to account for variations in parameters such as temperature, processing speed, and input data statistics.

The feedback phase can now be discussed in greater detail. Consider three consecutive inputs, each in State 1, applied to a connection in state 1. Also consider an arbitrary initial synapse value such as C11=100 gΩ and C12=101 gΩ. During the application of the first input during the evaluation phase, PSE1 would receive a slightly higher current flux. This difference will be amplified over the course of the evaluate phase until the post-synaptic output is saturated in state 1, or PSE1=1 and PSE2=0. The relative difference between the current flux on PSE1 and PSE2 determine the time required for the feedback circuitry to saturate the voltages in complimentary states. If the difference is initially minute, it could take the entire evaluate phase. If the initial difference is large, the voltages will saturate very quickly, with plenty of time left in the evaluate phase.

Note that in FIGS. 3( b) and 3(c), circuit layouts 301 and 303 are also illustrated, which represents variations to the circuit layout 302 or configuration 1. Circuit layout 301 thus represents a configuration 2, which is discussed in greater detail herein, while circuit layout 303 represents a configuration 3. Circuit layout 301 or configuration 2 generally includes a B circuit 314 and an A circuit 315. Electrodes 311 and 312 are connected to B circuit 314, while an electrode 313 is connected to A circuit 315. A Knowm™ connection 380 can be formed between electrode 311 and 313. Similarly, a Knowm™ connection can be formed between electrode 313 and electrode 312. In circuit layout 303 of configuration 3, a B circuit 335 is provided along with an A circuit 336.

Electrodes 331 and 332 are connected to the B circuit 335, while electrodes 333 and 334 are connected to A circuit 136. A Knowm™ connection 390 is generally formed between electrode 331 and electrode 334. Similarly, a Knowm™ connection 392 can be formed between electrode 334 and 332. Similar Knowm™ connections although not depicted in FIG. 3( c) are generally formed between electrode 331 and electrode 333 and between electrode 332 and electrode 333. A detailed side view 397 of Knowm™ connection 390 is indicated by FIG. 3( d). Note that in FIGS. 3( c) and 3(d), identical or similar parts or elements are generally indicated by identical reference numerals.

FIG. 4 illustrates evaluate and feedback phase frames 400, 402 and 404 which may be generated in accordance with one or more embodiments. Frames 400, 402, 404 can also be designated as respective frames A, B, C. Returning to the foregoing example, during the evaluate phase, C12 can receive a larger accumulated probability of connection formation, as depicted by the shaded region in frame A of FIG. 4. During the feedback phase, the pre-synaptic voltage will flip while the feedback circuitry holds PSE1 and PSE2 at their saturated values.

Over the course of the feedback phase, C11 receives a relatively large accumulation while C12 will receive none. When both the evaluate and feedback phases are taken together, C11 receives a slightly larger update. In the next application of the input in state 1, PSE1 will again “win”, and a feedback phase will ensure a higher accumulated probability of connection formation on C11 than C12. This time, however, the accumulated probability is slightly less for C11 that it was in the previous frame. The reason is that the connection build up lowered the resistance on the C11 connection. This causes a higher current flux in the next evaluate cycle.

Although both connections received an update, it is only the difference that matters. As one can see from frames A, B, and C of FIG. 4 as the post-synaptic activation increases, the accumulation returns to a set level comprising equal accumulations for both C11 and C12. As indicated thus far, during the evaluate phase, there is no direct correspondence between the post-synaptic voltage and the force needed to emulate the plasticity rule as discussed above. For example, as the PSE's become more positive, the voltage difference between the pre-synaptic electrode and post-synaptic electrode lessens, the electric field becomes weaker, and the attractive force dissipates. What we require is indeed just the opposite: as the post-synaptic voltage rises, the voltage difference between the pre- and post-synaptic electrodes needs to increase, thereby providing the positive feedback required by our plasticity rule. We will accomplish this by separating the read-out or evaluate phase from the modification or feedback stage.

As the post-synaptic neuron becomes increasingly activated, the probability that the connection grows larger will decrease. We have captured the first aspect of the above mentioned plasticity rule, i.e, as y becomes larger, f(y) must decrease to zero. Without the feedback phase, however, the direction of connection update is incorrect. With only an evaluate phase, the weight that contributes to the final post-synaptic neural state receives a smaller update. If this were to continue for only a small time, all connections would acquire equal values. To change the direction of the update, a simple operation can be performed, i.e., flip the pre-synaptic value and lock the post-synaptic value.

A clock signal cycles the neural circuitry between the evaluate and feedback stage. FIGS. 5, 6 and 7 generally outline or summarize this concept. Note that in FIGS. 3( a)-3(d) and FIGS. 5, 6 and 7, identical or similar parts or elements are generally indicated by identical reference numerals. Circuit layout 302 of configuration 1 is depicted in FIG. 5, for example, along with associated output/evaluate and flip/lock fames. Similar features are depicted in FIGS. 6 and 7 for respective circuit layouts 301 and 303.

During the evaluate phase, the pre-synaptic electrodes are locked into either State 1 or State 2. The pre-synaptic electrodes can be seen as a voltage source driving a signal representative of either State 1 or State 2. We will refer to this as the Output stage, which is the pre-synaptic portion of the Evaluate phase. While the pre-synaptic circuitry is locked in the Output stage, the post-synaptic neural circuitry is locked in the Evaluate stage. In other words, while the pre-synaptic neuron is outputting, the post-synaptic neuron is evaluating. During this phase, the voltages generated by the Output phase of the pre-synaptic neurons are driving the PSE of the post-synaptic neural circuitry.

The post-synaptic neural circuitry provides a feedback mechanism that positively re-enforces the voltages seen on PSE1 and PSE2. In other words, the circuitry forces PSE1 and PSE2 into orthogonal states: if the voltage on PSE1 is initially larger than the voltage on PSE2, the circuitry further accentuates this difference until PSE1 and PSE2 is fully saturated at the supply rails. The circuitry that accomplishes this will be discussed, but is not considered a limiting aspect of the present Invention. Indeed, there exist many circuits capable of this type of positive re-enforcement. At the end of the Evaluate phase, the pre-synaptic neural circuitry flips the Output values state. In other words, if the Output stage was State 1, at the end of the Output phase, the pre-synaptic electrodes are driven to the complimentary state, or state 2. We refer to this as the Flip stage of the Feedback phase.

As the pre-synaptic neuron enters the Flip stage, the post-synaptic electrode enters the Lock stage. The Lock stage effectively locks the post-synaptic voltages in the state decided during the evaluate phase. This can be accomplished through additional circuitry or simply by allowing the continued action of the feedback circuitry. One can see the immediate outcome of this setup: the state that is decided during the output/evaluate phase (i.e. receives more activation) is reinforced in the feedback phase by increasing the electric field.

A series of logic gates can accomplish the above described Output/Evaluate, Flip/Lock phases. Although we have thus far only discussed the case of one pre-synaptic electrode and two post-synaptic electrode, there are in fact more arrangements. We will now detail three possible configurations, discuss the necessary feedback mechanism, and provide example circuitry. With an understanding of the basic output/evaluate, flip/lock phases, the other electrode arrangements, there state encodings, and the feedback circuitry they require should become clear.

The quanta of update probability acquired during the feedback phase can be matched to exactly balance the degradation due to increasing entropy. In other words, the probability that a nanoparticle will be removed from the electrode gap by random thermal motion can be balanced by the probability gained from the feedback phase. This can in turn be used as a mechanism for temperature compensation or to simply gain more control over the circuit parameters. By varying the time periods of both the evaluate and feedback phases, as well as changing the supply voltages, one can “dial in” the correct force, as well as adjust the learning rate. The consequences of such a feature are tremendous indeed. Although the particles exist in a liquid, and the learning rate is a consequence of particle dynamics within the liquid, the learning rate can still be controlled electronically.

Because the power dissipation via resistive heating from the Knowm™ connections is minimal, one could control the temperature of the chip independently. This would allow for such things as teaching the chip at a higher speed (and higher temperature), and then processing real-time data at a slower speed (and a lower temperature)

FIG. 8 illustrates a schematic diagram of a circuit 800 for configuration 1 described earlier, which can be implemented in accordance with one embodiment. Similarly, FIG. 9 illustrates a schematic diagram of a circuit 900 for configuration 2 described earlier, which can be implemented in accordance with another embodiment. Likewise, FIG. 10 illustrates a schematic diagram of a circuit 1000 for configuration 3 described earlier, which can be implemented in accordance with an alternative embodiment. Note that in FIGS. 8-9, identical or similar parts are generally indicated by identical reference numerals.

The first configuration (i.e., circuit 800) is essentially the same as the prior example (i.e., circuit layout 302), but is described here for completeness and further clarity. Configuration 1 of circuit 800 generally includes one pre-synaptic electrode per neuron and two post-synaptic electrodes per neuron. The input is applied as a voltage, where a positive voltage, V₊, encodes one state and a lower voltage, V⁻, encodes the complimentary state. The signal is transferred to the post-synaptic electrodes as a voltage on two differential electrodes.

Circuit 800 generally includes a plurality of electrodes 831, including for example, electrodes X1, X2, etc. and an A circuit 802 and a B circuit 804. The A circuit 802 is composed of tri-state inverters 806, 808, an inverter 810 and an AND logic gate 812. The B circuit 804 generally includes a pass gate 814 and a voltage keeper formed from inverters 816, 818. B circuit 804 also includes an XOR logic gate 821. Note that output from A circuit 802 is connected at node M to the input of B circuit 804. Node M is generally connected to pass gate 814 of the B circuit 804. Circuit lines 844 and 846 of B circuit 804 represent opposite voltage states. Circuit lines 840 and 842 associated with A circuit 802 also represent opposite voltage states. Note that voltage and/or circuit values placed at circuit line 848, which is input to XOR logic gate 821 can be utilized to control flip functionality. Circuit line 850 generally comprises a PSE 1 while circuit line 852 generally constitutes a PSE2.

The voltage on Post-Synaptic Electrode 1 (PSE1) is compared with the voltage on Post-Synaptic Electrode 2 (PSE2). The PSE with a greater voltage determines the state of the neuron. By flipping the pre-synaptic voltage to the opposite voltage and locking the PSE voltages, we strengthen the connections that contributed to the final neural state and weaken (via entropy) the connections that did not contribute. The feedback update is an “on or off” update, lacking incremental control, but of fixed and known quantity. By combining the accumulated probability of connection formation over both the evaluate and feedback stage, we have succeeded in designing a circuit capable of providing a feedback that mirrors the above mentioned plasticity rule.

The circuitry to accomplish the Output/Evaluate and Flip/Lock phases is relatively simple. Generally, there are two basic circuit blocks can be referred to as circuit block “A” and circuit block “B” as indicated previously herein. In FIG. 8, for example, circuit block “A” constitutes circuit 802 and circuit block “B” constitutes circuit 804. Both circuit blocks A and B form the post- and pre-synaptic functions of one neuron, respectively. Consequently, if a network does not contain more that one neural layer, then both circuit blocks may not be required.

The function of circuit block A is two-fold. First, circuit block A (e.g., circuit 802) is responsible for the evaluate stage of the evaluate phase. Second, circuit block A is generally responsible for the “lock” stage of the feedback phase. In fact, only a very simple positive feedback circuit may be required, as can be seen, for example, in the configuration depicted in FIG. 8. Because a neural module will eventually output on only one line, the addition of the inverter 810 on PSE2 and the AND gate 812 provides the following transfer function to generate the voltage on node M, which is given as input to circuit block B. Table 2 below illustrates some of these features:

TABLE 2 PSE1 PSE2 M 1 1 0 1 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 0

Circuit block A or circuit 802 depicted in FIG. 8, for example, generally includes the two tri-state inverters 806, 806, one inverter 810 and one AND gate 812. When the tri-state inverters are activated, positive feedback is given to PSE1 and PSE2. As one can see, if PSE1 is high, then the inverter tries to bring PSE2 low, and visa versa. When the inverters are inactive, their output floats and there is no feedback. The evaluate and feedback phases can be generated by selectively activating the feedback circuit in the following manner using circuit lines 840 and 842. During the beginning of the evaluate phase, the feedback is shut off. this allows the voltage on PSE1 and PSE2 to build without feedback. These voltages are thus a representation of the activation as provided by the Knowm™ synapses. After this first stage of the evaluate phase, the feedback is turned on using, for example, circuit lines 840 and 842.

The feedback forces the voltages on PSE1 and PSE2 into complementary states determined by their initial value set in the previous stage. In other words, the feedback amplifies the difference between PSE1 and PSE2 voltages. When the lock stage is reached, the feedback circuitry of circuit 802 (i.e., the A circuit) simply remains on, thus keeping the voltages at their previous value. At the end of the lock stage, the feedback is turned off so as to provide a “reset” thereof. Note that the inverter 810 and the AND gate 812 can act to transfer the two-line representation of two states to a one line representation of two states, as provided by the logic table above (i.e., Table 2)

Circuit block B (e.g., circuit 804) provides the pre-synaptic function of the neurons. In the first stage of the evaluate phase, the circuit 804 produces as an output the input it received during the previous stage. This output is representative of the output state of the neuron and was determined during the evaluate phase by circuit block A. (e.g., circuit 802). After the first stage of the evaluate phase, the output remains the same. In the first stage of the feedback phase, the output flips. This functionality can be accomplished with, for example, pass gate 814, a voltage keeper formed from inverters 816, 818, and XOR gate 821 as depicted in configuration 1 of FIG. 8. Note that the XOR gate 821 can be replaced by its compliment, as the choice is ultimately arbitrary.

Because the stages of the evaluate and feedback phases are controlled by a clock input, the relative widths of the evaluate and feedback phases may be changed electronically “on the fly”. The sizes of the transistors making up the feedback circuitry may of course be modified to provide the best balance of chip real estate and functionality. Alternately, the strength of the feedback may be modified electronically by changing voltage biases. All that is reported here, for sake of clarity, is the functionality required. One example is provided herein, but many variations are of course possible.

FIG. 11 illustrates a schematic diagram of a circuit 1100, which can be implemented in accordance with an embodiment. Circuit 1100 generally includes a plurality of A and B circuits including tri-state inverters 1102, 1104, 1106 and 1108. Circuit 1100 also includes transistors 1109, 1110, 1111, 1112, and 1114, which are connected to one another via a circuit line 1131. Additionally, tri-state inverters 1102, 1104, 1106 and 1108 can be connected to one another via a circuit line 1130 and circuit line 1132.

FIG. 12 illustrates a schematic diagram of a circuit 1200, which can be implemented in accordance with an alternative embodiment. Circuit 1200 also includes a plurality of A and B circuits along with tri-state inverters 1202, 1204, 1206, 1208, 1210, 1212, 1212, 1214 and 1216, each connected to circuit lines 1240 and 1242 Circuit 1200 additionally includes transistors 1218, 1220, 1222, 1224, and 1226, which are connected to one another via a circuit line 1240. A circuit control line1243 can be connected to transistors 1218, 1220, 1222, 1224, and 1226.

In addition to circuit block A and B described above, two pieces of circuitry can be utilized which are useful for the process of initially acquiring the independent component states. First, we must provide for lateral inhibition, or negative feedback between adjacent neural modules. This can be accomplished in exactly the same manner as in circuit block A, except this feedback is between adjacent circuit modules. The purpose of the inhibitory (e.g., negative) feedback is to keep adjacent neurons from acquiring the same IC state. The feedback must posses the ability to turn on and off (e.g., see components 1130, 1132 in FIG. 11) and in fact is off for most of the post-learning lifetime of the chip. As an example, a tri-state inverter may be used to provide negative feedback from PSE1 of one neural module to the PSE1 of an adjacent neural module. Alternately, the feedback could be provided between PSE2 electrodes, or a non-inverting tri-state amplifier between PSE1 and PSE2 of adjacent neural modules. All that is required is that one neuron is capable of pushing its neighbor into another state via lateral inhibition that can be turned on and off.

The second additional piece of circuitry could be as simple as one transistor pulling either PSE1 or PSE2 to a pre-defined state (e.g., voltage), which can be utilized to force a neuron into a known state. In other words, this feedback would be used for a teaching signal, perhaps coming from another chip that has already acquired the states. This teaching signal is important for two reasons, although it is not strictly necessary. The teaching signal can be used to train a group of neural modules to recognize features within the data stream. The knowledge of what constitutes an object is communicated to the chip via the teaching signal, which is a global signal broadcast to all neural modules.

All the circuitry needed to provide the feedback required to emulate the plasticity rule given in equation (2) can be accomplished with the above-mentioned circuitry. Not to loose generality, all that is required is circuitry capable of providing the mechanisms of synaptic integration, plastic feedback, lateral inhibition, and teaching. The attraction of particles to the pre- and post-synaptic electrode gaps correlate with an increased conductance. By providing an increased voltage difference to mirror a plasticity rule, the system can auto-regulate and converge to connection strengths suitable for information extraction.

Note that the electrode configurations 2 and 3 respectively depicted in FIGS. 9-10 are variations of the theme developed for configuration 1 depicted in FIG. 8. The basic feedback stages essentially remain the same. Configuration 2 (i.e., circuit 900) depicted in FIG. 9 for example, is similar to configuration 1 (i.e., circuit 800) depicted in FIG. 8. In circuit 900 of FIG. 9, rather that one pre-synaptic electrode and two post-synaptic electrodes, however, there are two pre-synaptic and one post-synaptic electrode per neural module. Circuit 900 generally includes an A′ circuit 902 and a B′ circuit 904. The A′ circuit 902 includes tri-state inverters 806 and 808, while the B′ circuit 904 is composed of the same components as the B circuit 804 depicted in FIG. 8, except for the addition of a inverter 908.

The post-synaptic electrode feedback circuitry of circuit 900 (i.e., configuration 2) provides the same mechanism to saturate the voltage; however, this time a high voltage on the post-synaptic electrode indicates State 1 (this is arbitrary) and a low voltage indicates State 2. The following figure indicates circuit block A′, which provides the feedback circuitry. As can be seen, the feedback circuitry is simply a voltage keeper circuit that can be regulated by the addition of a tri-state inverter composing one or both of the inverters in the voltage keeper formed from inverters 806 and 808. Circuit block B′ is thus identical to that of configuration 1, with the addition of an extra inverter on the output to force two complimentary outputs instead of just one.

Note that lateral inhibition can be accomplished via a tri-state inverter between adjacent post-synaptic electrodes. The teach signal is likewise accomplished by a transistor pulling a post-synaptic electrode to ground or V_(cc) (e.g., see transistors 1109, 1110, etc. of FIG. 11).

Configuration 3 or circuit 1000 depicted in FIG. 10 simply combines aspects of both configuration 1 and configuration 2 by representing both the neural input and output on two electrodes. A pair of input lines defines one “input channel” formed from a PSE1 line or electrode 1002 and PSE2 line or electrode 1004. These input lines are driven to a positive voltage in an complimentary way:

-   -   State 1: Input 1=Vcc         -   Input 2=Gnd     -   State 2: Input 1=Gnd         -   Input 2=Vcc

As with configuration 1, the process of neural integration can be viewed as a competition between Post-Synaptic Electrode 1 (PSE1) and Post-Synaptic Electrode 2 (PSE2).

Consider the case where an input channel is in state 1, so that input line 1 (e.g., see X1 in FIG. 10) is “V_(cc)” and input line 2 (e.g., see X1′ in FIG. 10) is “Gnd”. If we disregard the other inputs, the total activation of PSE1 is the result of the strength of the Knowm™ connection connecting Input 1 and PSE1, which can be referred to as C11. Correspondingly, the total activation of PSE2 is the result of the strength of the Knowm™ connection connecting Input 1 and PSE2, which can be referred to as C12. The neural circuitry 1000 depicted in FIG. 10 thus compares the two voltages on PSE1 and PSE2. If PSE1 is larger, the neuron is forced to output voltages on its output channel (e.g., node M in FIG. 10) characteristic of state 1. Alternately, if PSE2 is larger, the neuron is forced to output voltages on its output channel (e.g., node M in FIG. 10) characteristic of state 2. Based on the foregoing, it can be appreciated that four Knowm™ connections can allow for 4-quadrant multiplication. Listed below is the connection label, as described above, along with the transfer function it facilitates:

-   Connection 11: State 1→state 1 -   Connection 12: State 1→state 2 -   Connection 21: State 2→state 1 -   Connection 22: State 2→state 2

To further explain such circuitry, it should be noted that, given an input in either state 1 or 2, the value of the 4 Knowm™ connections can encode either a “positive” weight:

-   Connection 11: Strong (many nanoparticles) -   Connection 12: Weak (no or few nanoparticles) -   Connection 21: Weak -   Connection 22: Strong     Or a “negative” weight: -   Connection 11: Weak -   Connection 12: Strong -   Connection 21: Strong -   Connection 22: Weak

By the addition of a feedback mechanism (i.e., feedback circuitry), the four connection values may take on a variety of values representing highly “positive”, highly “negative”, or anywhere in between. It should be noted that there exists a degeneracy in connections encoding a particular value. This degeneracy is simply a result of four Knowm™ connections being used to emulate a two-state system. The advantages of this could include noise immunity via the differential input lines, which are important for coupling at higher switching frequencies. A two-line representation can also provide a larger dynamic range for a signal, which may increase the noise margin. The circuitries needed to provide the necessary feedback for circuit module A is identical to circuit block A in configuration 1. Likewise, the circuitry required to implement circuit block B is identical to circuit block B in configuration 2.

FIG. 13 illustrates a block-level circuit 1300, which can be implemented in accordance with one embodiment. Circuit 1300 generally includes a demultiplexer 1302 and a multiplexer 1304. A plurality of control lines 1306 is connected to a plurality of A and B′ circuits 1310 and also a plurality of circuit lines 1320, which in turn are connected to a plurality of A and B′ circuits 1308 and a plurality of A and B circuits 1312. Demultiplexer 1302 is connected to a plurality of electrodes 1314, while the A and B′ circuits 1308 are connected to a plurality of electrodes 1316. Additionally, a plurality of electrodes 1318 are connected to the A and B′ circuits 1310 and the B and A circuits 1312. Note that the multiplexer 1304 is connected to a circuit line 1303, while the demultiplexer 1302 is connected to a circuit line 1301.

Knowm™ connections can form at the intersections of, for example, the B′ and A electrodes, which are patterned on the surface of the chip. In this example, data can be streamed into the demultiplexer and applied as input to one or more electrodes. If the data is streamed so as to output the compliment input vector (i.e. to achieve the flip function), then a B circuit is not required. Signals are integrated on the A electrodes of circuit module group 1308. The output of these modules is then applied to the B′ electrodes. The signal is integrated via the A electrodes on circuit module group 1310, where the pattern can be repeated for additional layers. The output state of a neural module group can be multiplexed and sent out on an output line 1303. The states of the neural circuit modules within a group can be used to determine the presence of a feature in a data stream.

FIGS. 14 and 15 illustrate a high-level block diagram of a system 1400 for independent component analysis, which can be implemented in accordance with a preferred embodiment. In general, system 1400 includes a feedback mechanism 1406 and an electro-kinetic particle chain, such as, for example, a Knowm™ connection of a Knowm™ network. The feedback mechanism 1406 can be implemented in the context of, for example, the feedback circuitry illustrated herein and which operates based on the plasticity rule described herein. The electro-kinetic induced particle chain 14306 interacts with the feedback mechanism 1406 in order to extract independent components from a data set as depicted in FIG. 14 by arrow 1402. ICA output data generated from system 1400 is indicated in FIG. 14 by arrow 1408. FIG. 14 represents one embodiment while FIG. 15 represents another embodiment. The embodiment depicted in FIG. 15 shows the addition of a neural module 1405.

Based on the foregoing, it can be appreciated that the Knowm™ systems and methods disclosed herein is a new technology that extracts information from a data-stream. The information processed drives a plasticity rule that utilizes high-gradient-density electric fields to attract, and random thermal motion to repel, particles suspended in a liquid-interface above a traditional integrated electronic chip. The statistical regularities from the data stream is coupled to the alignment of nanoconnections between pre- and post-synaptic electrodes, which modifies their electrical resistance and in turn drives modular integrated circuits. As indicated herein, a group of these circuits can be made to extract the statistically independent components of a data stream. By processing information, a Knowm™ network, for example, remains stable in the face of random thermal motion and actively re-configures its connections to changing conditions.

In general, when a particle is suspended in a solution and subjected to an electric field, the electric field induces a polarization in the particle. If the field is homogeneous, the induced dipole aligns in the direction of the field. If the field is inhomogeneous, the particle will experience a force. The direction of the force is determined by the dielectric properties of the particle and suspension. If the particle is more polarizable than the surrounding medium, the particle will feel a force in the direction of increasing field gradient, which is termed positive dielectrophoresis (pDEP). On the other hand, negative dielectrophoresis (nDEP) results when the medium is more polarizable than the particle.

At low frequencies, charge accumulation at the particle/medium boundary contributes to the induced dipole, which is referred to as the Maxwell-Wagner interfacial polarization and is a function of the particle and medium conductivity. As the frequency is increased, this term of the polarization has increasingly less of an effect, as the mobile charges do not have time to move an appreciable distance.

A conducting particle in a non-conducting liquid or gel will generally feel an attractive force toward the direction of increasing electric field gradient. As the frequency of the applied electric field is increased, the force transitions from an attractive force (PDEP) to a repulsive force (nDEP). It is therefore possible to use lower frequencies to attract a particle and higher frequencies to repel in such a way as to build and break nanoconnections. It is also possible to use lower frequencies to attract and random thermal motion to break connections.

A Knowm™ device is a nano-scale electrical connection formed from nanoparticles suspended in a liquid. The nanoparticles form sets of connections, called Knowm™ synapses. These synapses must be modified by a plasticity rule. We must provide a way to transfer voltages produced by neural circuit modules to a force that attracts the particles. Electrokinetic's is the theory used to describe the force that couples the plasticity rule to particle assembly.

Modern electronics operate by manipulating large numbers of electrons. The accumulations of electrons produce electric fields. Nano-electronics seeks to use nano-scale devices to compute. A Knowm™ connection can be manipulated with electric fields generated by traditional electronics. A Knowm™ system or device can therefore function as a bridge between modern electronics and nano-electronics. Electrokinetic's makes such devices possible.

Generally speaking, modern electronics contain two components: transistors and the wires that connect them. The transistors are like a mathematical function. They have an input and an output. By arranging and building transistors in clever ways, they can be made to store information. In almost all cases, modern electronics separate computation from memory.

Neural networks, such as a brain, also generally contain two components: neurons and the connections between them. The neurons are not unlike transistors. They too are like a mathematical function. The connections between neurons, i.e. synapses, are very different than the wires between transistors. Synapses can change, which means they have a memory, and the way they change is governed by a plasticity rule.

The rule(s) is (are) simple. The rule takes as its input local information, and provides as its output the change in synapse strength. Knowm™ plasticity rules use two signals: the pre-synaptic signal and the post-synaptic signal. These signals are provided as voltages on electrodes.

Plasticity rules are capable of truly amazing feats of computation and adaptation. A Knowm™ network utilizes plasticity rules to accomplish everything that is does. The rule assembles particles from a solution to form connections. The rule uses the information from a data stream to spontaneously set the connections at strengths that optimally extract information. The rule, using statistical regularities in the input data stream, repairs the connections if damaged by random thermal motion. If neural circuitry is damaged and becomes unreliable or unresponsive, the rule re-wires the network to optimize performance.

Neural modules, built from simple CMOS (or equivalent technology), can be utilized to provide feedback to pre- and post-synaptic electrodes. This feedback creates the electro-kinetic force that mirrors a plasticity rule capable of the above mentioned feats. The neural modules contain less than 40 transistors. A group of these modules can be used to isolate statistical regularities in a data stream. With today's technology, thousands of these module groups can be built on a single integrated circuit, along with billions of self-assembling connections.

A Knowm™ connection can be composed of many particles forming a bridge across pre- and post-synaptic electrodes. An individual particle in a liquid is not stable. The statistical properties of a group of particles, under the influence of a plasticity rule and random thermal motion, is stable.

It will be appreciated that variations of the above-disclosed and other features and functions, or alternatives thereof, may be desirably combined into many other different systems or applications. Also that various presently unforeseen or unanticipated alternatives, modifications, variations or improvements therein may be subsequently made by those skilled in the art which are also intended to be encompassed by the following claims. 

1. A system for independent component analysis, comprising: a feedback mechanism based on a plasticity rule; and an electro-kinetic induced particle chain forming a neural network, wherein said feedback mechanism and said electro-kinetic induced particle chain is utilized to extract independent components from a data set.
 2. The system of claim 1 wherein said data set comprises a data stream.
 3. The system of claim 1 wherein said electro-kinetic induced particle chain is composed of a plurality of interconnected nanoconnections disposed in a solution between at least two electrodes.
 4. The system of claim 3 wherein said solution comprises a dielectric solution.
 5. The system of claim 3 wherein said solution comprises a liquid.
 6. The system of claim 3 wherein said solutions comprises a gel.
 7. The system of claim 3 wherein said plurality of plurality of interconnected nanoconnections comprise nanoparticles.
 8. The system of claim 3 wherein said at least two electrodes comprises a pre-synaptic electrode and a post-synaptic electrode.
 9. The system of claim 1 wherein said feedback mechanism provides feedback to at least one particle within said electro-kinetic induced particle chain.
 10. The system of claim 1 wherein said plasticity rule is based on a non-linearity formulation.
 11. The system of claim 1 wherein said feedback mechanism provides for at least one evaluate phase and at least one feedback phase.
 12. The system of claim 1 wherein said feedback mechanism comprises a feedback circuit.
 13. The system of claim 1 wherein said feedback mechanism comprises a flip circuit.
 14. The system of claim 1 wherein said feedback mechanism comprises a lock circuit.
 15. The system of claim 1 wherein said feedback mechanism comprises an evaluate circuit.
 16. The system of claim 1 wherein said feedback mechanism comprises an output circuit.
 17. The system of claim 1 further comprising a neural module comprises a lateral inhibition circuit.
 18. The system of claim 1 wherein further comprising a neural module comprising a teach circuit.
 19. The system of claim 12 wherein said feedback circuit comprises a control line.
 20. The system of claim 19 wherein said feedback circuit comprises at least two post-synaptic electrodes and at least one pre-synaptic electrode.
 21. The system of claim 19 wherein said feedback circuit comprises at least one post-synaptic electrode and at least one pre-synaptic electrode.
 22. The system of claim 19 wherein said feedback circuit comprises at least two post-synaptic electrodes and at least two pre-synaptic electrodes.
 23. A system for independent component analysis, comprising: a feedback circuit based on a non-linear plasticity rule, wherein said feedback circuit generates an evaluate phase and a feedback phase; and an electro-kinetic induced particle chain forming a neural network, wherein said electro-kinetic induced particle chain is composed of a plurality of interconnected nanoconnections disposed in a dielectric solution between at least one pre-synaptic electrode and at least one post-synaptic electrode, such that said feedback circuit and said electro-kinetic induced particle chain is utilized to extract independent components from a data stream.
 24. The system of claim 23 wherein said feedback circuit generates an evaluate phase and a feedback phase.
 25. The system of claim 24 wherein said feedback circuit comprises an evaluate circuit for generating said evaluate phase.
 26. A method for independent component analysis, comprising: providing an electro-kinetic induced particle chain forming a neural network; and generating electrical feedback from a feedback circuit based on a plasticity rule; providing said electrical feedback to said electro-kinetic induced particle chain; and thereafter extracting independent components from a data set said utilizing said feedback circuit and said electro-kinetic induced particle chain.
 27. The method of claim 26 wherein said electro-kinetic induced particle chain is composed of a plurality of interconnected nanoconnections disposed in a solution between at least two electrodes.
 28. The method of claim 27 wherein said solution comprises a dielectric solution.
 29. The method of claim 27 wherein said plurality of plurality of interconnected nanoconnections comprise nanoparticles.
 30. The method of claim 27 wherein said at least two electrodes comprises a pre-synaptic electrode and a post-synaptic electrode.
 31. The method of claim 26 wherein said feedback provides for at least one evaluate phase and at least one feedback phase. 